The primary purpose of your roof is to shelter you and your loved ones from the rain, wind, snow, and harsh summer sun. Having a well-maintained roof is essential if you want to create a home that is safe and comfortable.

Unfortunately, roofing materials don’t last forever. All roofs need to be repaired or replaced at one point or another. Unless you have the right tools and experience to do the work yourself, that usually means hiring a professional roofing company.

The importance of hiring the right company can’t be overstated. Most roofing projects are quite expensive. You need to know that you are investing your money wisely and that the finished roof will last for many years to come.

Check out these tips on how to find a reliable roofing contractor for your home:

Work with a local company. Before hiring a contractor, make sure that they have a physical address in your city or county. Local contractors are more likely to be familiar with the codes and building requirements in your area. They are also less likely to try to scam you out of your money since they have to maintain their reputation in your community.

Verify that the contractor is licensed and insured. Reputable contractors always take the time to get licensed. You should be able to look up licensing information online through the website of your city or state. Check to make sure that the contractor’s license is valid and that it is current before hiring them. Additionally, ask the contractor to provide proof of liability insurance and worker’s compensation insurance before they begin work.

Solicit competing quotes. Don’t make the mistake of hiring the first company that you contact. Instead, reach out to at least a few different contractors in your community to get quotes for the roofing project. Ask each contractor to provide you with an itemized quote so that you can see exactly where your money is going. Ideally, they should send a representative to your property to examine your roof in person before giving you a quote. That way, the estimate they provide will be much more accurate.

Make sure the company is trustworthy by reading through reviews from their past clients. Consider checking with groups like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to verify that no major complaints have been filed against them.

Get everything in writing. Don’t just take a contractor at their word. Instead, ask them to provide you with a written contract. Make sure both you and the contractor sign the contract. Keep a copy for yourself in case any problems or disputes arise. A signed contract reduces the risk of misunderstandings and provides you with legal protection if the contractor fails to follow through on their promises.

Choosing a reliable roofing contractor for your home is extremely important. Your roof is one of the most important components of your home. Hiring a professional roofing contractor who has a great reputation is the best way to ensure that the project goes as planned.